Govt to form Task force in Nagada Region to check malnourishment deaths

Around 18 children died due to malnutrition in the area of Nagada which is situated on a hilltop in a dense forest under mineral-rich Sukinda block in Jajpur district. A team comprising members of State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR), director of Woman and Children Development (WCD) department and the sub-collector visited the on the spot for inquiry.

It is a matter of concern that some children have died of malnutrition, said Sub-collector Maheswar Panigrahi.

There is lack of health care and communication facilities in the area. Around 53 families are living in the Nagada village and many of the residents have no ID cards.

The State government has decided to constitute a task force to ensure the development of Nagada area. Special drive has been organized to prepare Aadhar cards for them as most of the people are uneducated and ignorant about government schemes.

The task force will look into the overall development of the area including health, roads, electricity and drinking water, said by the development commissioner, R Balakrishnan, who convened a meeting after receiving the report by the social welfare director.

Necessary steps have been taken for the welfare of the people. The Women and Child Development Department has also decided to open an Anganwadi centre in the village.